I've just gotten my first chickens from a friend of mine. They are all laying hens of different varieties. Don't know much about breeds etc. but I've been doing a lot of googling trying to find out good info for taking the best care of them. We got them 3 days ago and they seem to be doing fine. I intend on letting them free range but I've been currently keeping them in their coop as I read that doing so will allow them to know where it is and to go back in more easily at the end of the day when they do finally venture out. So far it seems as though only 5 of them are laying (stress from the move?) any suggestions for making them happier and more adjusted as well as any tips for this newbie?
Welcome. Definitely keep them locked for about 4 days. Do you have a means of penning them near the entrance to the coop for a couple days so they can acclimate themselves to landmarks before you let them free range? Good fresh chicken feed, clean water, big ventilation and they'll be fine. Here's info on breeds for you. http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html
Unfortunately I do not really have a way of penning them. However our yard isn't huge so they can't go too far. It's about a 1/4 acre so hopefully they will be able to gain their bearings pretty easily. I also read that a light will help. I purchased one and plan on using it to help them see where to go when it is dusk. Also, would it be a better idea to let them free range for only part of the day at first? Or does it matter? Thank you for the info!
Welcome! CC gave you some great thoughts, and sites to go to. I personally think the light is a great idea for them to find their way back to the coop. I think they will do well after 4 or 5 days as to knowing where to go for what. Free Range? I also let mine free range in my back yard. All day during the warm months. I am starting to lock them in the run overnight, and letting them out just a while after they get up, I want them to get used to being in the run and not being let out right away. Want them to be used to it for the coming snow. At least, we hope we get a lot of snow this yr.!
Free ranging has it's benefits for sure and we do it with our flock when we can be there to supervise. But it's not without it's dangers from predators so be aware of the ones in your area and provide your chickens with places they can duck into, under or hide in when they feel threatened. Here's some good information on common chicken predators and how to best protect your birds: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock Good luck to you and thanks for joining us!
Welcome to BYC. Free ranging isn't for everyone. You have to be prepared to tolerate some losses to predators when free ranging. Somehow preds seem to target the favorite birds first. Predators can even be the neighbor dogs that are allowed to run loose.
